Dementia community needs your help!
Donation protected
Everyone suffering from this terrible disease deserves some support, and this small community day care for patients suffering with dementia is no different. Dementia steals loved ones from us before their time. The toll on the person, their family and the community can be devastating especially when there are little resources, support or understanding.
I had to watch my mom suffer with dementia until her death in February of 2019. I moved my mom up to Oregon to be close to me in her final days after my father also passed away. I visited her most every day, but it became increasingly hard to bear. My brother offered to come take care of mom for a bit so my husband and I could take a much needed break. While in Africa, we were afforded the opportunity to visit the small town of Mugyera on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi in South West Uganda. That visit would deeply touch our hearts forever.
As a retired Nurse Practitioner, I have always been interested in how I can help others live better lives. When my husband, Pat, and I visited HOPE community in Mugyera, we knew we had to help.
HOPE Health of Adult Day Care Center in Uganda is a volunteer based health care community for elderly with dementia. Uganda, one of the poorest countries in the world, has suffered from health and political crises that have left many orphaned children to be raised by elderly grandparents. However, when stuck down with dementia, there is no one who can care for them or the children.
HOPE was begun by Isaac Turyanhikayo, a man with a vision and a heart for the elderly with dementia. Isaac is passionate about this work, having been raised by an aunt who suffered from dementia before she died.
In 2016 Isaac was able to open the small, non-profit organization with the help of an accountant friend, Osbert Musigunzi and his wife, Doreen, a teacher. Isaac created HOPE to support people and families dealing with dementia, as well as to provide education to the community. The mission is “to improve the welfare of the marginalized ageing groups suffering from dementia and raising the awareness in ... Mugyera, Uganda and Africa at large.”
The closest center is in a rented space in Kabale, the nearest big city, which serves 60 people. Unfortunately, in Mugyera, which is an hour by boat, and another half hour by car to Kabale, there is no center. The 48 individuals served in Mugyera have no dedicated space and meet where they can. Isaac says that there are more people in need, but lack of funds limits enrollment. In addition to providing a safe place to be during the day, staff and volunteers visit homes, provide basic living supplies and help with medical needs, including transportation. Already they are starting a garden, and also plan to raise poultry for eggs and meat.
When my mother died, she didn’t know me anymore. It was heartbreaking, but I was blessed enough that she left us an inheritance. In order to honor her memory, we were moved to buy a small piece of land in Mugyera, Uganda to help Isaac and his team build the community they need.
What we are asking for here is further support to get the buildings built and funding that will last for a year. The budget for the buildings is $15,000 and $5,000 for the first year of operating costs including food, transportation, limited medical supplies, clothing and blankets, and everyday necessities like laundry soap.
If you or your loved ones have been touched by dementia, you know the difficulties it can bring. We hope you will find it in your heart to help this community that otherwise might not stand a chance. We have spent our own money to do what we can, and we know with others’ support, we can see this community succeed in providing some relief for the families in Mugyera. Thank you for investing in this community!
I had to watch my mom suffer with dementia until her death in February of 2019. I moved my mom up to Oregon to be close to me in her final days after my father also passed away. I visited her most every day, but it became increasingly hard to bear. My brother offered to come take care of mom for a bit so my husband and I could take a much needed break. While in Africa, we were afforded the opportunity to visit the small town of Mugyera on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi in South West Uganda. That visit would deeply touch our hearts forever.
As a retired Nurse Practitioner, I have always been interested in how I can help others live better lives. When my husband, Pat, and I visited HOPE community in Mugyera, we knew we had to help.
HOPE Health of Adult Day Care Center in Uganda is a volunteer based health care community for elderly with dementia. Uganda, one of the poorest countries in the world, has suffered from health and political crises that have left many orphaned children to be raised by elderly grandparents. However, when stuck down with dementia, there is no one who can care for them or the children.
HOPE was begun by Isaac Turyanhikayo, a man with a vision and a heart for the elderly with dementia. Isaac is passionate about this work, having been raised by an aunt who suffered from dementia before she died.
In 2016 Isaac was able to open the small, non-profit organization with the help of an accountant friend, Osbert Musigunzi and his wife, Doreen, a teacher. Isaac created HOPE to support people and families dealing with dementia, as well as to provide education to the community. The mission is “to improve the welfare of the marginalized ageing groups suffering from dementia and raising the awareness in ... Mugyera, Uganda and Africa at large.”
The closest center is in a rented space in Kabale, the nearest big city, which serves 60 people. Unfortunately, in Mugyera, which is an hour by boat, and another half hour by car to Kabale, there is no center. The 48 individuals served in Mugyera have no dedicated space and meet where they can. Isaac says that there are more people in need, but lack of funds limits enrollment. In addition to providing a safe place to be during the day, staff and volunteers visit homes, provide basic living supplies and help with medical needs, including transportation. Already they are starting a garden, and also plan to raise poultry for eggs and meat.
When my mother died, she didn’t know me anymore. It was heartbreaking, but I was blessed enough that she left us an inheritance. In order to honor her memory, we were moved to buy a small piece of land in Mugyera, Uganda to help Isaac and his team build the community they need.
What we are asking for here is further support to get the buildings built and funding that will last for a year. The budget for the buildings is $15,000 and $5,000 for the first year of operating costs including food, transportation, limited medical supplies, clothing and blankets, and everyday necessities like laundry soap.
If you or your loved ones have been touched by dementia, you know the difficulties it can bring. We hope you will find it in your heart to help this community that otherwise might not stand a chance. We have spent our own money to do what we can, and we know with others’ support, we can see this community succeed in providing some relief for the families in Mugyera. Thank you for investing in this community!
Organizer
Christine Cormack
Organizer
Calkins, OR